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Update, June 4, 2024: Thank you to everyone who has applied to march in the parade! The application deadline has now passed.

Join the parade! Together as a community, we'll bring entertainment, excitement, and a whole lot of fun to Monterey on Independence Day.

We are now accepting applications to participate in the 2024 4th of July Parade, to be held at 10am on Thursday, July 4 in Downtown Old Monterey. We welcome bands, floats, drill teams, dance groups, unique vehicles, entertainment troupes, and equestrians. Get creative and think outside the box!

Entry deadline is Friday, May 31, 2024. Fill out the parade entry form. Parade organizers will notify you via e-mail if your entry is accepted.

2024 4th of July Parade Sponsorship Opportunities

Posted on April 24th, 2024 by omba

Update: Thank you to all of our 2024 4th of July parade sponsors!

The Old Monterey Business Association and the Old Monterey Foundation are teaming up to present the 2024 4th of July Parade on Thursday, July 4 at 10am and you are invited to be a part of the grand celebration as a valued sponsor.

Become a part of the color and excitement of this parade featuring local Monterey Peninsula groups, marching bands, dance and drill teams, and special guests and dignitaries to the Monterey Peninsula.

Thousands of spectators, both residents and visitors, line the parade route each year for this family-friendly 4th of July celebration. Sponsorships provide great visibility, community involvement, and an opportunity to become part of Monterey's bold history. All sponsorship donations are tax exempt. Download the parade sponsorship form here.

At Carpets and Floors, Inc., we're feeling all the spring vibes with brilliantly patterned carpets from Missoni, the iconic Italian fashion house. Even our shop dog, River, gives his stylish paw of approval.

Transform your space with Missoni's unmistakable designs - visit our showroom at 471 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey to see them in person.

Carpets and Floors, Inc. is an independent, locally owned business with the largest selection of flooring on the Monterey Peninsula.

Monterey Core Fitness gets asked all the time...what are the group classes like? Well, we pride ourselves in never repeating a workout, switching up the formats, and making it as much fun as possible.

Classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays are full-body focused workouts, with an emphasis on cardio.

Classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays rotate upper body days with lower body days, focusing on push or pull motions. We plan our workouts so that even if you can only attend classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, you'll still get to work out each body group.

Montery Core Fitness is a boutique gym and fitness studio for women age 18 and up that focuses on functional strength training, resilience, and connection to ourselves and those around us. We welcome all levels, from beginner to advanced. We're located at 191 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey. Visit our website for more information.

The Break Room would like to remind you that Mother’s Day is coming on May 12. Skip the scented candle, flowers, or usual sappy card, and give her what she really needs...rage! Gift certificates are available online.

The Break Room, located at 724 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey, is a fun place where you can release your frustration or get out of your comfort zone and try something new. We provide full safety gear then let you choose items to smash and the tools to do it. Consider it informal destruction therapy.

Visit our website to learn more, phone us at 831-917-8377, or click here to order an eGift card.

It's not too late to join us this spring! Here's the full line up for the rest of April through May!

Direct links to our classes!

Youth Classes www.campbellca.gov/youthclasses

Adult Classes www.campbellca.gov/adultclasses

Adult 50+ Classes www.campbellca.gov/adultcenterclasses

STARTING THIS WEEK

YOUTH & TEEN
Music Together Mixed Age 0-5 yrs
Hula/Polynesian Dance I/II 12+ yrs
CCC Passes (Weight Room, Lap Swim) 15+

ADULTS 18+
Hula/Polynesian Dance I/II 12+ yrs
Flex Fitness: Zumba, Pilates, Spin, Yoga, Boot Camp, Small Group Personal Training, CCC Passes (Weight Room, Lap Swim)

ADULTS 50+
Line Dance, Low Intermediate 50+
Flex Fitness: Spin, Strength & Core, Strength Training, Zumba, CCC Passes (Weight Room, Lap Swim)

STARTING AFTER 4/28

YOUTH & TEEN
Hip Hop and Break-Dance I 6-11YRS
Hip Hop and Break-Dance II 6-11 YRS
Lifeguarding Academy
Little Art Explorers 1-5 YRS
Mixed Media & Clay FUN
Art Exploration 5-12 yrs
Beginners Pottery Wheel 8-9 YRS
Clay Time 5-12 YRS
Create, Design, Build! 10-12 YRS
Volleyball Class 9-12 & 13-16 yrs
Youth Pottery Wheel 10-13yrs
Teen Pottery Wheel 13-17 yrs
Tiny Tot Explorers 1-5yrs
Skyhawks Basketball 6-9 & 9-11 yrs
Skyhawks Track & Field 7-12 yrs
CCC Passes (Weight Room, Lap Swim) 15+

ADULTS 18+
Adult Pottery Wheel 18+
Adult Water Color & Drawing 18+
Hip Hop Dance 15+
Dance Fit Class Sessions 18+
ZUMBA Sessions 18+
Pilates *Virtual* 18+
Flex Fitness: Zumba, Pilates, Spin, Yoga, Boot Camp, Small Group Personal Training, CCC Passes (Weight Room, Lap Swim)

ADULTS 50+
Enhance Fitness *Virtual* 50+
Forever Young 50+*Virtual*
Functional Fitness 50+
Body Conditioning 50+
Buff Bones 50+
Watercolors 50+
Oil & Acrylics 50+
Yogilates *Hybrid* 50+
Sketching & Drawing 50+
Strength & Core Class Sessions 50+

Does your preteen love art? Are you looking for a studio where they can flourish and evolve artistically as they grow older? Good news: Teaching Across Generations (TAG) is returning to Youth Arts Collective (YAC) this summer, with workshops open to artists ages 11-13.

TAG sessions happen two Saturdays per month, 10am-12pm. Participants will explore collage, mobile-making, painting, and ceramics. June & July TAGsters will have an opportunity to be in our Summer Show alongside YACsters and mentors, while August TAGsters will get to take home their own hand-built ceramic pieces.

Workshops are $60 per month. If you purchase all 3 months (June, July, August), you'll receive 17% off. Learn more and register here. Youth Arts Collective is located at 472 Calle Principal in Downtown Old Monterey.

TAG Schedule
June 1 & 8: 2D & 3D Composition
July 13 & 20: Painting
August 3 & 10: Ceramics

Esteban Restaurant’s Executive Chef Ben Hillan proudly announces his new spring menu. Rooted in Spanish tradition, Chef Ben’s new dishes stay in tune with the season to showcase the freshest and finest ingredients from Central Coast farmers, fishers, ranchers, and other artisan producers.

Chef Ben’s vibrant new tapas menu includes: asparagus with tarragon aioli, brown butter, Marcona almonds, Manchego cheese, and citrus yogurt; a refreshing watermelon salad with tomato vinaigrette, pickled cucumbers, feta foam, pistachio dust, and mustard frill; and crudo citrus-cured striped seabass with pineapple emulsion, dulse seaweed, and guava pink peppercorn gel.

The splendor of spring is showcased in Chef Ben’s new Raciones, medium to large plates that can be shared. The Iberian bone-in pork chop, with parsley root puree, sauteed greens, and cherry demi-glace, features the richest, most flavorful meat available - the Iberian pig, a breed native to Spain with naturally marbled meat rendering it buttery and tender. Other additions to the menu include conejo confitado (rabbit leg) and grilled Moroccan spiced cordero (made with New Zealand lamb),

Esteban Restaurant is located at 700 Munras Avenue in Downtown Old Monterey. Reservations are highly recommended - call to reserve your table, 831-375-0176. The restaurant is open 7 days a week for dinner, drinks, and tapas, and Saturday and Sunday for brunch.

Sunday, April 21st 4:00pm-6:00pm

Grab a friend and enjoy music, dancing, and some light snacks. Live music by Simon Santiago's Breaux Show. Doors open at 3:30pm

Register online by 4/20 for special pricing!

$7.00 per person w/Adult Center Membership

$10.00 per person w/o AC Membership

$20.00 per person at the door

Monterey Hostel Has Reopened!

Posted on April 16th, 2024 by Monterey Hostel

Good news, New Monterey! The nonprofit Monterey Hostel, offering overnight lodging for school groups, families, and adventure travelers, has reopened under new management at 778 Hawthorne Street in Monterey.

Are you a New Monterey resident and have friends or family coming to visit you this year? In 2024, local residents can save 15% and receive free guest parking for reservations of 2+ nights when you book via our website - just use the promo code NMNA2024.

The newly renovated hostel has 13 rooms with space to host around 50 overnight guests. These include 9 private “family and friends rooms” with a queen bed, twin/twin bunk bed, and ensuite bathroom, and 4 dedicated “shared dormitories” with bunk beds and ensuite bathroom options where guests can reserve a bed in a room shared with other travelers starting at $60 per night.

The Hostel now has wheelchair-accessible guest rooms, bathrooms with roll-in showers, an accessible community kitchen, and a new exterior deck and ramp that connects the building with accessible parking, public transportation, and the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail.

All guests share a community kitchen, indoor/outdoor lounges, dining, and a shared workstation ideal for remote workers looking to catch up on emails while on the road. The hostel also offers on-site parking, day-use passes, weekly events, complimentary tea and coffee, and storage for luggage, bikes, kayaks, scuba gear, and surfboards.

The Rose Books and Obscurities is offering 15% off any in-store purchase to those who mention the Old Monterey website or newsletter April 16-21, 2024. We're open Tuesday, 1pm-6pm, and Thursday-Saturday, 12pm-5pm.

The Rose, located at 136 Bonifacio Place in Downtown Old Monterey, offers a well-balanced selection of antiquarian collectible works and second hand books in all price ranges. The bookshop is charmingly small but carefully cultivated to satisfy serious collectors and general readers alike.

Have you tried The Whisky Club’s Mocha Old Fashioned? Luxardo Espresso paired with Michters Rye and The Whiskey Club's house made syrups and bitters creates this sweeter Old Fashioned with a rye kick. It's a delightful after-dinner cocktail.

Visit The Whisky Club at 425 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey. We're open Thu-Sat, 2pm-10pm and Sun, 2pm-8pm.

Summer Music Camps for Kids at Wendi Kirby Music 2024

Posted on April 13th, 2024 by WendiKirby

Wendi Kirby Music, located at 550 Hartnell Street in Downtown Old Monterey, is now enrolling children for our Summer Music Camps, June through August 2024. Enrollment is limited to 10 students per class. Class information is below. Please email Wendi for more information and to register.

SUMMER CAMPS

Piano Adventures (ages 6-8)
July 8-12, 9am-12pm
Instructor: Wendi Kirby
Students will have a fun-filled week of piano time, musical games, music history adventures, listening activities, ensemble playing, and much more.
Tuition: $375

How to Play Piano in a Band (ages 9-12)
June 24-28, 9am-12pm

Instructor: Wendi Kirby
Students will immerse themselves in the skills necessary to play in a band. Through fun and engaging activities, games, and time at the piano, students will learn lead sheets, Nashville numbers, pop form, improv skills, rhythms, and more. The week will end with a mini-concert for family and friends.
Tuition: $375

Little Musicians (ages 5-7)
July 29 - August 2, 1pm-3pm

Instructor: Wendi Kirby
Each day will have a theme-based musical adventure. Students will move, sing, play, listen, and engage in fun musical activities.
Tuition: $275

Raise Your Voice Singing Camp (ages 10-14)
August 5-9, 9am-12pm

Instructor: Anne Sibley
Singers will work towards improving their overall vocal ability, confidence, and performance skills this week. While singing with their peers and learning a variety of music in various genres, they will learn music theory, sight-singing, warm-ups and vocal health, breath control and support, ear training, and pitch accuracy. This camp is designed to be an encouraging experience for singers to expand their confidence and skills using their natural voice.
Tuition: $375

Musical Storytime (ages 5 & under with a caregiver)
Thursdays, 11:15am-12pm

Instructor: Anne Sibley
In Musical Storytimes, the magic of music meets the wonder of stories. Designed for children up to 5 years of age and their caregivers, this cozy gathering offers a delightful blend of reading, singing, and shared joy. Each story is carefully selected to delight young hearts and inspire young minds. With Anne’s repertoire of beloved children's songs and playful rhymes, this musical journey will have everyone leaving with a smile.
Fee: $25 drop-in, or $100 for 5 storytimes

From intimate gatherings to grand corporate affairs, Namaste India Bistro's catering services bring the authentic taste of India to every occasion. With a customizable menu tailored to your preferences, our team will ensure a culinary experience that leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

Proud recipients of the Monterey Herald Reader's Choice Awards 2023 for Best Indian Food and Best Caterer/Catering Service, and featured in America's Best Restaurant Roadshow, Namaste is dedicated to exceeding your expectations with every bite.

Please call us at 831-641-0130 to discuss your catering needs. We're located at 538 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

Cypress Boutique introduces our Big Sur Button Down Shirt, the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe. This stylish, comfortable shirt is lightweight and breathable. Dress it up with chinos or shorts - it's perfect for any casual occasion.

Visit our brick-and-mortar store at 800 Lighthouse Ave, Suite C in Monterey. We're a local, owner-operated shop that offers a variety of clothing and accessories for men and women.

There's still snow on the mountains, and On The Beach's entire Snow Department is on sale for a limited time. Get used K2 rentals skis for $175, used K2 rental ski boots for $75, and used Burton snowboard rental boots for $25. Plus all men's, women's, and kids' snow jackets and pants are 50% off.

Visit us at 693 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

Youth Commission 2024-2025 Term Application
The 2024-2025 Youth Commission application is now available! Interested students will need to submit the application linked below and ONE letter of recommendation.

This letter can be prepared by a teacher, coach, church advisor or someone who knows the applicant well. It may not be from a family member. Recommenders should be able to attest to the applicant's character and/or any skills that would be beneficial in serving on the commission. They should speak to why the applicant would be a strong candidate to serve as a Youth Commissioner.

The deadline to apply is Friday, May 3rd. Please apply by clicking the linked items below.

Youth Commissioners should be Campbell residents during the 2024-2025 school year and enrolled in grades 7 through 12. For those appointed to the commission, they will serve a one year term, September through May. Interested teens may reapply for up to a three term maximum. The Commission should be diverse, a strong representation of Campbell youth. The commissioners will be individuals who can contribute different elements to the group and together make a cohesive youth commission. Meetings will be held every other Monday as early as 6:30pm and may last until 8:30pm. Commissioners meet for 1.5-2 hours each meeting.

The Campbell Youth Commission is a joint effort project. Partners include the City of Campbell, Santa Clara County Library District, Campbell Union School District, Moreland School District and, Campbell Union High School District.

Requirements:

Campbell Residents
Enrolled in grades 7 through 12 during 2024-2025 school year
Attend bi-monthly evening meetings on Mondays, September through May
Attend and support Youth Commission sponsored events
Interest and enthusiasm for leadership and local government practices

Rotary Club Seeks Luggage for Foster Children

Posted on April 8th, 2024 by lighthouseave

Monterey Pacific Rotary Club is collecting new and gently used luggage (backpacks, duffel bags, carry-on bags, etc.) for The Kinship Center / Seneca through May 31, 2024.

Many local foster children carry their things in garbage bags, shopping bags, even pillow cases when transitioning into care homes. Monterey Pacific Rotary Club wants to help these kids in protective services by giving them their own luggage.

If you would like to donate your new and like-new luggage to a child in need, please call Carolyn Harris at 831-869-8655 by the end of May 2024. A pick-up can be arranged for those near Monterey or Salinas.

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